Panama declares emergency after powerful earthquakes trigger hundreds of aftershocks
Two major quakes damaged buildings across the country, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency declaration.
At a glance
- Two earthquakes with magnitudes 7.7 and 6.6 struck Panama on Friday
- Over 100 aftershocks recorded, with some reaching magnitude 5.8
- Damage reported across all 10 provinces and two Indigenous territories
- Government declared state of emergency; no deaths reported
Panama's government declared a state of emergency on Saturday following two powerful earthquakes that struck on Friday, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.6. The tremors toppled buildings and forced evacuations across the country.
More than 100 aftershocks, some reaching magnitude 5.8, continued to shake communities in the hours after the initial quakes. Officials reported damage across all 10 of Panama's provinces and two Indigenous territories, though no deaths were attributed to the earthquakes.
Why it matters
The earthquakes and ongoing aftershocks pose continued risks to communities and infrastructure across Panama's regions.
Original reporting
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